A federal judge in Texas rules that Obamacare is unconstitutional. Judge Reed O’ Conner says when Congress eliminated the penalty for not having coverage, it knocked the constitutional foundation from under “Obamacare.”
Governor John Bel Edwards says it creates uncertainty for nearly 850,000 Louisianans with a pre-existing health condition as they could lose their health insurance. Edwards says another 480,000 working Louisianians on Medicaid expansion could also lose their health care coverage over this decision.
But Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says this case is about federal overreach and patients should come first in health care, not a bureaucracy. Landry says if this ruling stands through the appeal process, he’ll work with the legislature to make sure those with pre-existing conditions obtain coverage.
The Affordable Care Act approved in the Obama administration will remain in place during the appeals process.
